Community concerns raised about the lack of public toilets in the new Kmart Bairnsdale store are being investigated by East Gippsland Shire Council.
Council's Acting General Manager Business Excellence, Alba Elling, said responsibility for providing public toilet facilities in this new building rests with the building owner.
"Further, Council clarifies that its officers were not involved in issuing the permit for the Kmart project. Nevertheless, the Council is committed to assisting in finding a resolution to this matter," Ms Elling said.
"Our municipal building surveyor has conducted a review of the project's building permit documentation and building legislation, which has revealed that public sanitary facilities should have been provided in the department store. We have begun investigations into the reasons why public sanitary facilities were not included in the store's initial plans."
Council has taken steps to engage with the building owner and private building surveyor responsible to address the issue.
"We understand the concerns raised by the community and want to assure everyone that we are actively engaging with all relevant parties to ensure that public toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet, are provided for the convenience and well-being of the public," Ms Elling said.
